At Primitive Brood, we believe the best skincare comes from nature—pure, simple, and time-tested. One of our favorite powerhouse ingredients is raw shea butter—a rich, nourishing fat that has been treasured for centuries for its incredible skin benefits. Let’s dive deep into what shea butter is, how it’s made, how it’s been used throughout history, and why you should always choose raw shea butter over refined alternatives.

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a creamy, nutrient-dense fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to the savannah regions of West Africa. It has a rich, buttery consistency and a natural ivory to pale yellow color, with a slightly earthy, nutty aroma when unrefined.

Often referred to as “women’s gold” in many African communities, shea butter plays a vital role not only in skincare but also in the livelihoods of the women who harvest and produce it by hand.

How Is Raw Shea Butter Made?

The process of making shea butter is labor-intensive and rooted in tradition. Here’s a simplified look at how raw shea butter is made:

1. Harvesting: Shea nuts are collected by hand from wild shea trees.
2. Drying & Cracking: The outer shell is removed, and the nuts are sun-dried.
3. Roasting: The dried kernels are roasted over an open fire to release their oils.
4. Grinding: The roasted kernels are ground into a thick paste.
5. Kneading & Boiling: The paste is kneaded with water until the oils separate and rise to the top, then boiled to remove impurities.
6. Cooling & Skimming: Once cooled, the top layer of butter is skimmed off and allowed to solidify.

The result? Raw, unrefined shea butter—packed with natural vitamins, minerals, and healing properties.

A Brief History of Shea Butter in Skincare

Shea butter’s use in skincare dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian royalty, including Queen Cleopatra herself, reportedly kept jars of shea butter for skin and hair care. In African cultures, it’s been used for generations to:

• Protect and moisturize skin in harsh climates
• Heal minor wounds and burns
• Relieve symptoms of eczema and rashes
• Treat babies' sensitive skin and diaper rash

The knowledge and benefits of shea butter were passed down through generations and are still honored today in traditional skincare rituals across the globe.

Raw Shea Butter vs. Refined Shea Butter

There’s a big difference between raw and refined shea butter:

At Primitive Brood, we choose raw shea butter because it retains its full range of skin-loving compounds—vitamins A, E, and F, fatty acids, and antioxidants—without any synthetic processing.

Benefits of Raw Shea Butter for the Skin

Raw shea butter is truly a multitasker for your skin. Here’s why:

• Deep Moisturization: Absorbs quickly and hydrates dry, cracked, or rough skin.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and skin irritation.
• Skin Barrier Protection: Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to lock in moisture.
• Healing Properties: Aids in healing minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites.
• Anti-Aging Support: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with antioxidant-rich compounds.
• Natural SPF: Offers minimal sun protection (estimated SPF of 3–4), great for daily exposure.
• Safe for All Ages: Gentle enough for babies, effective for mature skin.

Everyday Uses for Raw Shea Butter

Shea butter is incredibly versatile. Use it as:

• A daily body butter or facial moisturizer
• A nourishing balm for hands, feet, and elbows
• A soothing salve for diaper rash or nursing moms
• A healing treatment for eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
• A base for DIY salves, balms, and whipped body butters

It’s even safe to use on lips and around the eyes—a true all-in-one skin salve straight from nature.

Why Primitive Brood Loves Raw Shea Butter

At Primitive Brood, we formulate our skincare products with only the purest, raw shea butter—because your skin deserves the real thing. No chemicals. No fillers. Just wholesome, ancient ingredients that honor the earth and your skin's natural rhythm.

Ready to experience the difference? Try one of our raw shea butter–infused products or use it straight in your own ritual. Your skin will thank you. Shop All.

Sources

1. American Shea Butter Institute
   Website: www.sheainstitute.com
   Details: Offers technical and scientific data on shea butter composition, grading, and skincare uses.
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – “Shea Butter: A Review of the Roots of a Traditional Cosmetic”
   URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
   Search for: shea butter skin benefits, shea butter pharmacology
   Details: Contains peer-reviewed research on its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
3. Journal of Oleo Science
   Article: “Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of shea butter”
   URL: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/
   Details: Explains the chemical makeup of shea butter and antioxidant benefits.
4. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) – Shea Tree Profile
   URL: https://www.fao.org
   Details: Explores the agricultural and economic importance of the shea tree in West African communities.

4. Encyclopedia of African History, Volume 3 – Edited by Kevin Shillington
   Details: Describes historical uses of shea butter in African societies, including its ceremonial and cosmetic roles.
5. Smithsonian Magazine – “Why Shea Butter Is Called ‘Women’s Gold’”
   URL: https://www.smithsonianmag.com
   Details: Looks at the cultural impact of shea butter and the women-led cooperatives behind its production.
6. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) – Skin Deep Database
   URL: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
   Details: Provides safety ratings and profiles for shea butter and other cosmetic ingredients.
7. Wellness Mama – “Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin & Hair”
   URL: https://wellnessmama.com
   Details: Offers a natural living perspective on raw vs. refined shea butter and DIY use.
8. Healthline – “What Is Shea Butter and How Do You Use It?”
   URL: https://www.healthline.com
   Details: Easy-to-understand breakdown of benefits, uses, and sourcing.